Our Beeches residents and staff are coming together on 17 May 2024 for their third-annual wellbeing walk, which promises something for all abilities and a delightful afternoon tea!
Back in 2022, during Mental Health Awareness Week, the team at Beeches held community walks throughout the week. They hosted different walks to cater to different abilities, which helped the residents to get out, have a chat, and enjoy the fresh air.
The monthly walks were a great success, so the team have continued to organise walks for all abilities over the last two years, with an increase in participants including volunteers from family, friends and the local community.
Ange Moody, Emerald Extra Care Scheme Assistant, Beeches said:
“When we started the wellbeing walks we had two options, a smaller walk for less active residents and a longer walk to the Pavilion for more active residents. Now we sometimes have 15 tenants at once! In all fairness, it's been great for my mental health as well as the residents!
We have a gentleman whose health had deteriorated being at home. Once he came to Beeches, his mental and physical health has improved – he’s used his electric wheelchair to join the walks during Mental Health Awareness Week. He had a lovely, long chat with me and continues to attend now.
Our walks are a great way to find out about the background of our residents, I found I learned more about them doing the walks.”
Kevin, resident at Beeches said:
“I look forward to these walks, it’s nice to talk to people and nice to get some fresh air. We’re very lucky to have this activity available and to get outside.
I feel better in my mind instead of sitting staring at the four walls in my flat. It helps me with my mental health and it’s great we all get together for tea, cake, and a natter after.”
Last year to mark one year of the walks, Sarah Ambwar, Extra Care manager, Beeches organised a partnership with the Kent Wildlife Trust, where residents learnt about how being active and getting into nature can help with managing mental health.
This year, to mark the third-annual walk during Mental Health Awareness Week, the team at Beeches are organising a walk followed by an afternoon tea and quiz, so residents who don’t want to join the walk can still participate in the Mental Health Awareness Week activity, benefiting from the social aspect of getting together to help improve mental health and wellbeing.
Ange added:
“Residents at Beeches enjoy a quiz, so it will be a fun and inclusive activity for all!”
How can you find a moment of movement to reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.
According to the Mental Health Foundation Website, one of the most important things you can do to help protect your mental health is regular movement. Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.
Our bodies and our minds are connected. Looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health.
You can find out more on the Mental Health Foundation Website.